Disadvantages of part time program

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the nursing or medical fields, you probably realize you will have to contend with a considerable commitment to education. If you have been out of school for some time, and are already involved in another career or have family or other obligations you must attend to, you may be considering a part time nursing or medical program. These programs are certainly available, but are there any disadvantages to pursuing your nursing or medical degree part time?

The main disadvantage you will face is the amount of time it will take you to complete the program. In order to receive a Bachelor of Science in nursing you will generally be required to take many semesters of prerequisite and clinical nursing courses. You will also be required to take a licensing test and you may find yourself needing to take a study course for this. This program typically takes about four years for a full time student. If you are considering a Masters Degree in nursing you will have to gain some clinical experience and take additional courses, which can add another three years to your total. If a full time student requires seven years to complete their degree, a part time student can expect to take at least ten years. In addition, much of your reading outside of class in a part time program may be comparable to the reading you will be required to take on in a full time program, so while you will be able to continue with your prior responsibilities, you will still have a challenging amount of work to handle.

Similarly, medical school requires a significant time commitment. Four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and additional internship and residency requirements can mean a decade or more of education for full time students, so again, a part time student will require even more time.

In addition to the time issue, you will also be more limited in the programs that you can attend, as not all medical or nursing programs admit part time students. On top of this, you may feel that full time students have a camaraderie and support system that you do not share when you are only involved with the program part time. It will also be incumbent upon you to show that even though you are only attending part time, you have a full commitment to completing your degree.

There are some challenges to obtaining your nursing or medical degree part time, but it can be done. If you are truly committed to obtaining this degree and circumstances prevent you from attending full time, part time programs are a viable option. However, before you begin, be sure you have an idea of the challenges you will face and how you will meet them.

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